White Cloud Temple Laocong Shuixian 2024 – Zhengyan

Tea – Shuixian, Yancha Wulong
Harvest – Spring 2024
Origin – Bai Yun Si, Wuyishan, Zhengyan

The characteristic of Laocong Shuixian (old bush shuixian) is that is picked only from older trees and this gives it a silky smooth mouthfeel and a special flavor called “Congwei”, meaning “bush flavor”. The flavor of laocong is not strongly fragrant or bright, its understated and elegant leaving a smooth sweetness in the aftertaste.

I think of the experience of drinking Laocong Shuixian as walking into an imaginary old bookstore, with a warm light filtering through the windows, old wood panels and a peaceful cozy energy.

Coming from the south part of the Zhengyan area, the laocong here grow along a trail that leads to Baiyunsi (White Cloud Temple), a Buddhist temple built on the cliffs. Originally managed by the Buddhist nun who organized villagers to rebuild the temple in 80s, it is now managed by her family. This area has typical Zhengyan features, with thin layer of pink soil from broken rocks, and lush local plants that become nutrients for the tea trees that get few hours of direct sunlight. Every two years, the weeds are cut and buried in the soil in late autumn to become compost.

The flavour is elegant and restrained. With two charcoal roasts, it is thick and smooth, expressing a clear congwei and a long lasting sweetness as more brews are made.

Price is for 50 g.